Radiofree West Hartford - The War has started... EVERYONE must support the troops by Tom Evers

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The War has started… EVERYONE must support the troops

By Tom Evers

March 20, 2003

Today is a great day for America! (It's even a great day for West Hartford - even if many of our residents don't seem to "get it".) The fact remains that Saddam Hussein's time is up. The day of this tyrant is over. Americans, while cautious about war and fearful about possible terrorist-style retaliation to the homeland, should feel pride and have understanding that we are doing the right thing at this moment. All Americans should support this initiative, our President, and our troops.

Twelve years ago, American and allied forces removed Iraqi forces from occupied Kuwait. Then-President George Bush, Sr. did his best to work with the international community to establish accepted goals: 1) Free Kuwait, and 2) Stop Saddam Hussein's breach of peace in the region.

Based on international law, the international community didn't permit the assassination, or removal of Saddam Hussein from power. After the 1991 Gulf War, evidence shows that the United Nations diplomatic efforts failed terribly; in fact the UN's efforts were fully undermined by member nations France, Germany and Russia, who sought to do business with Iraq, including in some case - selling military arms and military parts to Iraq for oil rights and other goods. From the start, these nations had no intention of abiding by international law, and fully intended prop up Saddam Hussein for their own selfish national interests.

Moreover, during eight years of the Clinton Administration, the Iraqi government thumbed its nose at the United States, and the United Nations peacekeepers. President Clinton didn't have the stomach to follow through with the policies set by his predecessor simply because he failed to understand the strategic risks to western interests and the serious dangers involved. While Clinton slept, Iraq went back to restarting and advancing its chemical, nuclear and biological weapons factories. President George W. Bush is finishing the job that began twelve years ago, and carrying out the responsibility that was abdicated by Clinton, Gore and friends.

Today, the United States has a different kind of leader, a President with integrity, comprehension, and resolve. The United States with thirty-five key coalition partners, are removing a dangerous tyrant from power. Iraqis will no longer be subject to state-sponsored beatings, tortures, rapes, and their dignity will no longer be demeaned. Their people will no longer live in fear of not doing or not saying things as mandated by the state. You can go to dozens of government and private websites and read the clear human rights violations that have occurred within Iraq's borders. In the near future, Iraqis will have an opportunity to live free lives and they even have an opportunity at forming a fully democratic society.

Hussein and his deadly missile system will no longer threaten neighboring Middle Eastern countries, and most importantly - Hussein's long-range missile factory will be put of business, securing American and Western nations from inter-continental missile attack.

I also want to salute the leadership and armed forces of the British and Australian Governments. As everyone knows, British Prime Minister Tony Blair would not normally be my cup of tea based on his very liberal political leanings. But Blair's steadfast support of the United States and comprehension of the larger picture (a stance that has strong opposition within his own party), and his notable supporting rhetoric and action since September 11th have been nothing short of heroic. America has a friend in Tony Blair and the British people. At least they can be counted on! And we will not forget!

The Australian Leadership, including Prime Minister John Howard, has been a wonderful ally and friend of the United States. They have supported us every step of the way. They are standing with us knee deep in the sand of Iraq taking their part. The boys "down under" can always be counted on when its time to support freedom and put tyrants out of business.

The result of the United Nation's lack of resolve to fully disarm Iraq and to keep sanctions in place to force Iraqi compliance is what you are seeing today. The United States has the moral authority and clear responsibility as a world power to reduce tyranny and to protect its own national interests. Even if self-absorbed, single-minded nations like France and Germany cannot bring themselves to be responsible members of the world community, we cannot simply turn a blind eye to the world's dangerous realities.

American conservatives, liberals, and moderates from either party or no party have a responsibility to support our troops. Any other viewpoint is unacceptable. And as we know, some of the rhetoric out of the Democratic camp - particularly that of Senator Tom Daschle has been nothing short of pure treason because it undermines the morale and integrity of our American nation and troops. He should be censured for his harmful, malicious, and unpatriotic attacks. He should be ashamed.

All Americans should support our coalition troops. Americans must understand the important mission that we are undertaking, and what's at stake on a global scale. We fight to make men free, we fight to preserve our society, and for liberty, and all of our hard-fought values.

So, let's all band together. Fly "Old Glory" and show Iraq, Europe and the world that we stand for freedom and democracy! And we stand against tyranny and evil!!

One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!

Tom Evers